Changes at Center for Homeless upset some residents

April 25, 2009|TROY KEHOE WSBT-TV Reporter

SOUTH BEND -- Dozens of guests from the Center for the Homeless hit the streets last week for the center's annual "street sweep" spring cleanup effort. About 50 of the 200 guests picked up brooms and cleaning supplies for a simple reason: "We like to give back to the community," said a smiling Louie Lambright, who said he's stayed at the facility off and on for about two years. "We get donations every 10 to 15 minutes from people, it seems like. It's just a way to give back." But while many are pleased to be making changes outside, some aren't sold on a series of changes now under way inside. What's coming Starting Friday, guests who stay at the Center for more than 45 days will be charged a $1 per day "program fee" that will cover their housing. On April 1, Center staff began charging guests for food, as well. Much of the food revenue will be paid by government-issued food stamps. "Guests who receive food stamps and still wish to eat here have to turn in their food stamps," said Jacqueline Kronk, the Center's director of development and public relations. Some guests who don't receive government assistance with food are also now being charged up to $5 a day for meals. "We have exorbitant costs in the kitchen," Kronk said. "And so this small percentage of food stamps that we're receiving are helping to offset those costs. We are not making money, by any means. We're trying to do our best to serve as many people as possible." They're for it Some guests say it's a bargain. "Where else can you go for that kind of money?" asked Lambright. "So you have to pay $30 or $40 a month. Anything you need is pretty much here, and they're going to make sure nobody starves." Others say the true value is what they get in return. "They help me have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in," said Ashley Sparks, who has been a guest at the Center for about two years. "They're getting money for us to stay there and eat there. So, I'm willing to give back what I can to them." Others don't like it But other guests say the new charges are asking too much. "I've been here approximately eight months now, and I have mixed feelings about it," Bill Allee said. "It's a homeless shelter. It's about helping people who can't help themselves right now. And, I have mixed feelings about charging them a fee for the food and housing." Allee said his fees would be much more than $1 a day. "If you've been here for 180 days or more, the housing fee jumps to $3.33 a day. That adds up to about $250 a month for food and the housing, which is a really low price to have a roof over your head and be fed, I guess. But, I'm unemployed with no income. I can't afford $250 a month." Even some who have a part-time job call the changes "unfair" and "counterproductive." "How can I get on my feet if they're charging us for rent and up to $5 a day to eat here? Plus, the majority of the food is donated," said guest Tommy Heflin. "They do spend money on some food, but the majority comes from donations. I don't think it's right (to charge for donated food)." It's already changed Heflin's daily routine. "I don't eat here no more," he said. "I can't afford it. I just hope my friends look out for me." Why the change? Administrators admit donations are down, and the economy is a factor in the new costs. "We are hurting from the economy, as every nonprofit is," Kronk said. "These small changes are trying to offset some of the impact we've seen from the economy. But these changes were the result of our strategic plan." And, Kronk added, the changes won't affect the Center's mission. Those who can't afford the costs won't be turned away, but will instead be asked to "earn their keep" by performing additional chores or services around the Center.